News and Events

Keep up to date with the latest news and events from MMUST

MMUST Commits to Working With the Fourth Estate in a Bid to Promote Education Sector, as It Holds Second Vice Chancellor’s Media Breakfast

MMUST staff pose for a group photo together with journalists from various media houses.

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology has committed to working with the fourth estate in a bid to improve Kenya’s education sector. This was revealed during the second ‘Vice Chancellor’s Media Breakfast’ (VMB), which attracted attendance from both the mainstream and regional media stations, including the Standard, Nation, Royal Media Services, 103.9 MMUST FM, K24 TV, West TV/FM, Radio Africa group KBC/Tandao TV, as well as Lubao FM. The meeting, organized by the Directorate of Corporate Communications and Marketing (DCCM), in conjunction with the Vice Chancellor’s office, took place yesterday, 15th February, 2023, at the VC’s boardroom.

Speaking during the event, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo, acknowledged that the fourth estate is a very important entity in relation to development. “As members of the fourth estate, you owe it to Kenya to provide accurate information which will steer development. We are eager to collaborate with the media in order to support the growth of the education sector in this country,” said Prof. Shibairo, adding that MMUST will continually provide adequate and right information about the University to the media, for a balanced and fair reporting.

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Prof. Solomon Shibairo gives his remarks during the second Vice Chancellor’s Media Breakfast.

“MMUST excels in academia, research and innovation. Besides this, we are focused on community outreach, consultancy and enterprise, student experience technology and institutional development,” stated the Vice Chancellor, saying that there is a need for this information to be in the limelight for the benefit of the University as well as the entire country.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Planning Research and Innovation), Prof. Charles Mutai, stressed on his dedication to seeing MMUST attain its vision of being a premier University in science, technology and innovation. Further, Prof. Mutai stated that the University has allocated funds for its researchers, innovators as well as students, who will work with mentors, in order to take MMUST’s research and innovation to the next level.

“We have invited you here today in an effort to enhance the relationship between MMUST and the media, for accurate, effective and sustained reporting of University’s activities,” said the Director (DCCM), Dr. Lydia Anyonje. She asked the members of the fourth estate to participate in building MMUST, and other institutions of higher learning.

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A section of journalists follows keenly during the VMB.

The members of the fourth estate held bilateral discussions with the Vice Chancellor, where they sought clarifications on a number of projects mentioned during the meeting, pointed out possible areas of improvement and appreciated the progress that has been made since the last VMB, which was held on 5th May, 2022.

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology has demonstrated its dedication to improving the education sector in Kenya. MMUST recognizes that the media is a very powerful tool used to communicate information to the public and therefore, involving the fourth estate in the University’s activities will undoubtedly push the development agenda.


By Caren Nekesa and Mary Wangari Wambugu

 Photos by Shiundu Masafu 

Mastery of Motor Skills Essential to Rule Out Deformities in Limb Development, Structure and Symmetry

Ms. Irene Otieno during children's stimulation activities.

Physical, emotional, cognitive, language, and social development are vital aspects of human development. As a child goes through various developmental stages, these domains become more skillful. As part of the Health Assessment and Child development monitoring, the IHELP Principal Investigator, Dr. Rose Opiyo, incorporated Health Promotion and Sports Science personnel to conduct Motor Skills Assessment for the children in the centers during the training workshop. This is a key exercise that involves a mixture of physical activities that helps to identify the cause of any motor difficulties and leads to recommendations for support.

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Ms. Ednah Sabin during the Motor Skills Assessment.

According to Ms. Ednah Sabin, a lecturer at the Department of Health Promotion and Sports Science-MMUST, mastery of many motor skills is important for normal daily functions. The five basic motor skills are sitting, standing, walking, running, and jumping. She was accompanied by Health Promotion and Sports Science fourth-year students undertaking a unit in fitness programming. This offered them an opportunity to implement their skills in motor skills assessment for preschoolers to fulfill the curriculum requirement.

The exercise involved the assessment of Gross and Motor Skills through the Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD), administered to children aged three years and above. For those of three years and below, questionnaires were administered to their parents to report on fine and gross motor skills.

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Ms. Ednah Sabin during the Motor Skills Assessment.

Motor development is important to children's health and growth. Early diagnosis is critical to early educational interventions for an effective treatment for mitigating symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children. 

By Linet Owuor

MMUST Paramedic Expert Dr. Tecla Sum Participates in the Development of Diploma Program in Advanced Emergency Medical Technology for the Kenya Medical Training Colleges

Participants during the development of the Diploma program in Emergency Medical Technology (AEMT) at KMTC, Mombasa.

The Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology’s Paramedic Expert, Dr. Tecla Sum has participated in the development and rolling out of the Diploma program in Emergency Medical Technology (AEMT) for the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC). This was evident during an intensive one-week program development exercise that took place at the KMTC Mombasa campus, from 6th to 9th February 2023.

Speaking during the exercise, Dr. Sum, who is also the Chairperson of the Department of Paramedic Science, stressed the need of having a pool of experienced emergency managers who are well-trained and equipped for their tasks.

“In the wake of the horrifying earthquake in North West Syria that has seen the death toll rise to over 1930 and over 3500 casualties with severe injuries, the burden of response and recovery remains towering to all nations. The disaster-stricken countries are in dire need of rescue personnel support in the evacuation, treatment, and recovery process,” said Dr. Sum.  

Further, she pointed out that there is a need to support other Universities to train and provide sufficient academic ascending platforms for this diploma program, acknowledging that the success of the exercise will give MMUST a rich pool to draw its Bachelor of Science in Paramedic Science students. Dr. Sum thanked the University Management for the unwavering support.

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Dr. Tecla Sum (left) together with other key personalities.

The KMTC fraternity, led by the Alternate Director to the Chief Executive Officer- Ms. Lucy Waweru noted with gratitude that they were delighted to have MMUST, the mother institution in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) training in Kenya, spearhead and support the process.

The exercise attracted other scholars from different institutions and bodies including Mr. Dennis Muthigi and Mr. Samson Mwambole of the Kenya Council of Emergency Medical Technology (KCEMT); Dr. Yusuf Nyakinda of the Emergency Medicine Kenya Foundation (EMKF); the Principals from various KMTCs in Kenya; Deputy Registrars, Students Affairs and Curriculum, Ms. Grace Mwangi and Mr. David Wafula respectively; Head of Quality Assurance, Ms. Lucy Kuria. The National Youth Service (NYS) was represented by the Director, Mr.  Mike Njagi, and Kenya National Qualification Authority (KNQA), Ms. Rita Mudza.

Notably, the validation of the program is set for March 2023, in the presence of our leadership from the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Ministry of Education (MoE).  Certainly, MMUST is flying its flag high both nationally and internationally as the pioneer University in Africa in training Trauma and Emergency personnel.

By Linet Owuor and Caren Nekesa   

MMUST Tamasha Festival Advocates a Plethora of Cultural Heritage Strategies to Tackle Modern Challenges

Students showcase traditional dance during the Tamasha Cultural Festival 2023.

The Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology’s Tamasha Cultural Festival 2023 has advocated for utilization of cultural heritage strategies to address modern challenges. This is in an effort to achieve sustainable development and create resilient communities. This five-day festival, set to celebrate, enhance and appreciate cultural diversity, was marked with a plethora of musical, dance and food extravaganza. The celebrations, themed ‘Leveraging on Culture for Climate Change Mitigation and Sustainable Development,’ were held from 8th to 12th February, 2023 at the University grounds.

Speaking during the official opening ceremony, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo, pointed out that the University values cultural diversity, saying that MMUST hosts students from various communities across the nation and beyond. “We are dedicated to promoting indigenous knowledge as well as educating the younger generation about their roots. Tamasha is not only a platform for us to showcase our diverse and positive cultural differences, but also an avenue for the young generation to understand their cultural heritage,” said Prof. Shibairo.

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The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo speaks during the official opening ceremony of Tamasha Cultural Festival 2023.

Further, he stated that a proper cultural grounding ensures that people embrace positive ethnicity especially in the modern world. “At MMUST, we are cognizant that indigenous knowledge is an important aspect that institutions of higher learning should tap into. This is one of the ways in which we can contribute towards sustainable development goals,” he added.

 “This festival provides an opportune moment to learn the different cultures, beliefs and indigenous knowledge,” stated the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and Students Affairs), Prof. Hussein Golicha. Prof. Golicha mentioned that culture and education are two (2) inseparable parameters and that they are interdependent. “Any educational pattern gets its guidance from the cultural patterns of a society. Indigenous ways of teaching and learning have been viewed by many post-modern scholars as important for ensuring that students and teachers are able to benefit from education in a culturally sensitive manner,” said the DVC.

The Director, Privately Sponsored Student Program (PSSP), Prof. Ondiek Alala, who was representing the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Planning, Research and Innovation), Prof. Charles Mutai, said that MMUST researchers are constantly exploring indigenous knowledge in an effort to solve modern societal challenges such as climate change, poverty, inflation, disease and unemployment.

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A section of MMUST officials during the official opening ceremony of Tamasha Cultural Festival 2023.

“The Division of Administration and Finance has continuously supported Tamasha as it recognizes the importance of this annual festival. Throughout this festival, we have not only witnessed cultural diversity, but also a display of talent and skills,” stated the Director, Performance, Monitoring and Evaluation Unit, Prof. Joseph Nasongo, who was representing the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration and Finance), Prof. Kuria Thuo. Prof. Nasongo urged students to get involved in co- curricular activities like creative art, music, dance and poetry to earn extra cash during their stay in the University.

Expressing his delight, the Patron of Tamasha Cultural Festival, Prof. Edwin Wamukoya, applauded various cultural groups for their commitment to ensuring that the event was a success. “I commend all the students and cultural groups that have showcased different activities, for displaying some of the rich cultural practices of our people. Let us take advantage of such festivals to educate others about our traditions and learn from various cultures,” he urged.

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MMUST International students showcase traditional foods during the festival.

Equally, the Dean of Students, Dr. Bernadette Abwao, thanked the University management for its dedication to ensuring that cultural heritage is celebrated in MMUST, adding that there is a need for preserving African culture. “Our culture is beautiful. We need to preserve our diverse culture which has been neglected due to modernity. I encourage you to visit the various sections displayed during these celebrations, and take time to familiarize yourselves with other cultures,” said the Dean of Students.

The climax of the event, slated for Saturday, 11th February, 2023, will see students get the opportunity to experience and understand assorted cuisines and art from several cultures. The students will be privileged to witness the crowning of Miss MMUST, Mr. MMUST, Miss Curvy and Mr. Flex, who will embark on representing MMUST’s cultural diversity on various occasions. Additionally, the University staff and students will be treated to ‘Tamasha Dinner’ on Friday, 10th February, 2023.

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Prof. Shibairo planting a tree to mark this year’s Tamasha Festival.

Besides tree planting, the event attracted performances such as music, dance, skits, art, bull fighting, games and sports, as well as exhibitions which were displayed using lavish, stylish instruments and costumes. These were showcased by cultural groups such as the Turkana, Coast, Maasai, Kikuyu, Luo, Kuria, Kisii, Pokot, Luhya, Kamba, Meru and International communities, represented by various student groups. Notably, the festival did not leave behind Karate and Taekwondo teams, which performed exceptional acts for the audience to learn self-defense skills.

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology has demonstrated its willingness to steer the agenda of sustainable development through the support of a week-long cultural festival. This is part of what is expected of Universities as custodians of knowledge.

By Verna Awuor and Mary Wangari Wambugu

Photos by Shiundu Masafu 

IHELP Principal Investigator Dr. Rose Opiyo Spearheads Efforts to Equip Children’s Caregivers with Skills in the Newly Established Centers

Dr. Rose Opiyo (speaking) with a section of center leaders during the workshop.

The Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology’s researcher, Dr. Rose Opiyo, has once again spearheaded a three-day training workshop to equip caregivers with diverse skills in responsive caregiving in the newly established iHELP centers. This training was conducted at the SHIMA iHELP center from 7th to 9th February 2023 and was facilitated by a Nutrition Expert, Ms. Martina Adega, and the project’s Consultant Ms. Irene Otieno.

Speaking during the workshop, Dr. Opiyo expressed delight to the Ikolomani and Shiveye communities for welcoming the iHELP project and working towards its sustainability. She noted that IHELP is a project that fosters the inclusivity of all children.

“I encourage you to learn as much as you can from this training. Children should be exposed to items that are attractive, kindle curiosity, and create connections to their cultural identities. This includes providing materials that send positive, inclusive messages about children with disabilities,” she added.

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Learning materials.

Commenting on Child Safety and Protection, Dr. Opiyo stated that parents and caregivers are liable for building a safe and friendly environment for their children. She advised the participants to start a conversation about the basic safety measures with their kids at an early stage.

This training brought together various caregivers and center managers from SHIMA and Indete IHELP Centres. During the first day of training, Ms. Adega took the participants through proper nutrition and health assessment of children, where she tackled the benefits of proper nutrition to children’s growth, provision of a healthy diet, and appropriate feeding patterns. Further, she administered Vitamin A and dewormers to the children as per the assessment conducted.

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Ms. Martina Adega administering Vitamin A to a child.

Additionally, she comprehensively presented child safety and protection as a key measure to ensure the safety of children from violence, exploitation, abuse, and neglect. She explained the ten (10) Commandments of Child Safety to the participants.

“Although protecting the child at every step is neither possible nor advisable for their development and confidence, there are certain things we can do to ensure the overall safety of our children. I urge you to ensure the safety of your children in terms of accidents, food, diseases, and injuries,” said Ms. Adega.

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A section of the participants following the presentations.

The training also encompassed systematic demonstrations of material development in childhood education to aid the learning, stimulation and playing of the children while at the centers. This was addressed by Ms. Irene Otieno who guided the caregivers in developing various materials for the children.

“This is an important lesson for caregivers to develop critical thinking skills for selecting appropriate materials, and producing tools for children during their stay at the centers. It will also enable the development of self-prepared instructional materials for learning and playing purposes.

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Caregivers during material development session.

Attesting to the impact of the training, one of the caregivers, Ms. Mary Nafula appreciated the efforts to empower them in the upbringing of their children. “This exercise has enabled us to reflect on our role in Early Childhood Education to ensure our children are well grounded.  We applaud our trainers who have done immensely empowered us with requisite skills in responsive caregiving,” said Ms. Nafula.

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Children display materials developed by the caregivers.

Certainly, the IHELP project is an anti-biased approach to learning that supports and embraces the differences within an individual. Such workshops encourage the use of materials that empower children of all racial, ethnic, and social backgrounds. This helps in bridging the gap between children’s home and school lives, thus providing a strong foundation for learning. 

By Linet Owuor

Photos by Linet Owuor

MMUST Champions HIV, Mental Health Awareness and Early Screening of Non-Communicable Diseases among the Staff and Students

A section of the MMUST healthcare workers poses for a group photo at one of the service stations.

MMUST’s Aids Control, Gender, and Disability Mainstreaming Unit have continued to champion HIV, Mental Health Awareness, and early screening of non-communicable diseases among the staff and students during the five-day annual exercise. The event dubbed, ‘Health Week took place at the main campus from 6th to 8th February, 2023 and extended to the Bungoma and Webuye campuses on 9th and 10th February 2023 respectively. This was aimed at providing an opportunity for the University fraternity to understand their health status, as well as to sensitize them on the need for the adoption of early screening as a method to counter the severity of given medical conditions by engaging in early treatment or intervention.

Speaking during the exercise, the Coordinator, AIDS Control, Gender and Disability Mainstreaming Unit, Prof. Gladys Mengich, expressed her joy over the turnout of the participants, saying that they surpassed this year’s expectations. Prof. Mengich emphasized the relevance of early screening and testing, stating that it is important to everyone since it enables early detection of disease in people who do not show any signs of the disease itself.

“Health screening can help an individual to find out if they have any underlying disease or condition or if they are at a high risk of developing the same, even if they feel healthy and do not exhibit any symptoms. The result, which is usually early detection, followed by treatment and good control of the condition in most instances results in better outcomes and lowers the risk of serious complications. Additionally, in some instances, patients have more treatment options, lower medical costs, and even higher chances of survival,” said Prof. Mengich.

While addressing the participants, one of the University’s Senior Clinician, Dr. Felix Ambuche, spoke extensively on cervical cancer and mental health. Dr. Ambuche noted that cervical cancer is preventable and curable upon early detection, yet it is still among the most common type of cancer claiming the lives of women across the world.

“Some of the risk factors for getting cervical cancer include; early sexual intercourse, multiple sexual partners, first family history of cervical cancer, and comorbidities such as HIV infections. However, enough research has not been conducted on the use of family planning as a cause for this novel disease, hence we cannot say for a fact that it causes cervical cancer,” said Dr. Ambuche.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) mainly cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancers, and chronic respiratory diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. They represent 7 of the 10 main causes of death equivalent to 74% of all deaths globally, which includes more than 15 million people who die prematurely every year from a major NCD between the ages of 30 and 69 years; 85% of these premature deaths occur in low and middle-income countries.

As a result, Dr. Ambuche stressed the fact that Cancer is easier to treat when it is detected before it spreads throughout the body. He recommended a number of preventive measures, including screening at regular intervals which he says, are determined by the age and needs of every individual.

“Screening is very important as it helps in the identification of cancer-causing cells and allows for timely intervention. Women need to identify their age group and other factors such as the need to determine how often to get screened. It is recommended that women of ages 21 to 29 go for screening at least after every two years while those above 45 years, do the same yearly. This is because they are at a stage where there are high chances of any malignancy in the body beginning to erupt. If at any point, one was treated for Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN), a precancerous condition in which abnormal cells grow on the surface of an individual’s cervix, then they need to do screening after every six months,” he explained.

Research further indicates that mental health conditions including anxiety, stress, depression, and psychosis, as well as neurological and substance use disorders, account for a quarter of all non-fatal disease burden, and more than 700 000 people die as a result of suicide each year. In Kenya, it is estimated that one in every 10 people suffer from a common mental disorder and the number increases to one in every four people among patients attending routine outpatient services to be suffering from depression and anxiety disorders.

However, since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increasing appreciation of the value of mental health. In Kenya for instance, we saw the establishment of a Mental Health Taskforce in 2019, which has implemented a number of reforms to improve care for those with mental health conditions. MMUST, through the AIDS Control, Gender, and Disability Mainstreaming Unit, has come out strong to ensure that staff and students gain access to all-around services including gender issues, counseling, and disability mainstreaming. The University has continued to ensure the availability of a health team, which comprises doctors, counselors, and social workers who are highly professional and present for both staff and students.

HIV has continued to be a major global public health issue. According to the UNAIDS, progress in the prevention and treatment of HIV-infected patients is faltering around the world, putting millions of people in grave danger. Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and North Africa have all seen increases in annual HIV infections over several years. UNAIDS further reveals that the pace of progress in reducing new HIV infections, increasing access to treatment, and ending AIDS-related deaths is slowing down. In 2021, 1.5 million people were newly infected with HIV, 38.4 Million people were living with HIV and 650 thousand people died of AIDS-related illnesses. 

It is high time we take heed of the precautionary measures put in place to reduce the risk of spreading these illnesses. MMUST has taken a step in the right direction and we continue to encourage staff and students to be responsible for their health by knowing their HIV/AIDS status and screening for non-communicable diseases as frequently as possible. By doing this, the University will certainly curb the high prevalence of non-communicable diseases among staff and students and have a working population of healthy people who can deliver.

MMUST International Students Hold One-day Workshop in an Effort to Address Issues Pertaining to Their Welfare

MMUST staff pose for a group photo together with the international students, outside the University’s Main Catering Unit.

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology’s international students have held a one-day Workshop in an effort to address issues pertaining to their welfare in the University. The Workshop, which took place on Wednesday, 8th February, 2023, is the second one of its kind that the Directorate of International Relations and Academic Linkages (DIAL) has organized.

Speaking during the event, the Director DIAL, Dr. Catherine Aurah, stated that the international students are a group that the University appreciates. “This Workshop is conducted in order for international students to connect with the University Management, for the students to share their experiences studying in MMUST,” said Dr. Aurah, adding that such a meeting is a platform for the International Students Guild (ISG) leadership to formally communicate with their members.

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Dr. Catherine Aurah gives her remarks during the Workshop.

“In case you have any welfare issues, such as accommodation and catering, feel free to visit our offices,” said Mr. Oscar Waswa, who was representing the dean of students, Dr. Bernadette Abwao. Mr. Waswa encouraged the international students to actively participate in the University activities like sports, drama as well as clubs and associations, so that they don’t feel left out.

The Director, Directorate of Corporate Communications and Marketing (DCCM), Dr. Lydia Anyonje, reiterated that international students are a great asset to the University, saying that her office is dedicated to increasing the number of these students through marketing. “There is a need for the University to organize a marketing campaign that will not only involve the national and international students, but also our alumni,” she stated.

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A section of MMUST international students follow keenly during the Workshop.

Further, the Director DCCM, said that her team has been discussing having an international students open day, to fully focus on these students, and to showcase all activities associated with them. “During this event, we shall have a set of activities and special projects to work on across the departments,” said Dr. Anyonje, adding that she will work together with other sections to advocate for an international students’ docket within MMUSO, so that their issues are addressed directly.

“We appreciate the international students’ diplomacy in handling issues and commend them for always visiting our customer care desks for assistance. We intend to include them in our upcoming Customer Service week set for the first week of October. We will also include them in our five-year anniversary celebration since we first established the custom care office,” said the Marketing Officer, Mr. James Muriithi.

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ISG Chairman, Mr. Christopher Oromo, gives his remarks at the Workshop.

The ISG Chairman, Mr. Christopher Oromo, presented a report on the number of international students that have joined MMUST in the last seven (7) years. Some of the issues raised by Mr. Oromo during the event included the lack of a proper international students’ office to address their problems. “We have also been having issues with the delay of our exam results which sometimes worries our sponsors,” he added. The ISG female and male representatives, Ms Gloria Tamanok and Mr. Yousif Kalo, respectively, suggested that the University should put in place measures that ensure international students are guided especially during admission days. Additionally, they proposed to have an International students open day and other activities such as tree planting, benchmarking and field trips in order for them to interact more.

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From left; Dr. Lydia Anyonje, Dr. Catherine Aurah, Mr. James Muriithi and Mr. Jeremy Muriira.

Also present during the Workshop included; the Director of Privately Sponsored Students, Learning Centres and Campuses, Prof. Ondiek B. Alala, who was representing the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Planning, Research and Innovation), Prof. Charles Mutai, the University Chaplaincy, Rev. Fr. Dr. Kizito Muchanga, Mr. Manoah Bornface, who was standing in for the Ag. Chief Security Officer, Dr. Julius Mabia, MMUSO Gender and Special Interest Secretary, Mr. Jeremy Muriira, Ms. Dorine Ambetsa, Mr. Nelman Monari, Ms. Verna Kungu and Mr. Daudi Kioko.

By Sheila Ivayo and Mary Wangari Wambugu

Photos by Wangari Wambugu

MMUST Tamasha 2023 Kicks off with Pomp And Colour!!

We are delighted to inform you that the Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology’s Tamasha Cultural Festivals 2023 has kicked off today, 8th February, 2023. The event, which will go up to Sunday, 12th February, 2023, was flagged off by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo.

Below please find more photos of the event.

MMUST Steps up Efforts to towards Acquisition of Clean and Affordable Energy

Prof. Solomon Shibairo with University Solar Photovoltaic Energy Project Committee members during  the workshop in Kisumu Hotel, Kisumu County.

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology is at the front-line in actualization of the Sustainable Development Goal number seven (7) – Affordable and Clean Energy. A team of Engineers from the University led by the Chairman, University Solar Photo Voltaic Energy Project committee, Dr. James Owuor, held a two-day workshop from 2nd to 3rd February, 2023 in Kisumu Hotel. The aim of the workshop was to develop technical specifications and an implementation plan for the Solar Power project in the University.

Speaking at the workshop, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo commended the team of engineers for spearheading such an important project in the University. Prof. Shibairo noted that most institutions are in financial crisis and a major contributor to this is high cost of electricity. “We have seen electricity bills run to millions in some institutions. If as a University we can embrace this technology and save on the funds used in the electricity bills, then it is a major boost to us,” said Prof. Shibairo.

Additionally, Prof. Shibairo highlighted the benefits of using solar energy, saying that it is clean hence to our environment. “Currently there are a lot of emissions into the air. If most organizations can embrace this form of energy, then no greenhouse gas emissions will be released into the atmosphere. This is because the sun provides a clean as well as high amount of energy than we’ll ever need,  hence making it a very important source of energy as we shift towards clean energy production,” added Prof. Shibairo.

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The Deputy Vice Chancellor Planning Research and Innovation (DVC PRI), Prof. Charles Mutai was impressed with the strides, the committee had made. Prof. Mutai stressed on the need to embrace Solar energy, saying that as a renewable CO2-free power source, the environmental impact of solar power is significantly smaller than other power generation methods. Prof. Mutai assured the participants of the University managements’ unwavering support of the project to its finality.

According to the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), Energy is the dominant contributor to climate change, accounting for around 60 per cent of total global greenhouse gas emissions. In an effort to help reduce this and in compliance with SDG No 7 on access to clean and affordable energy, and SDG No 13 on climate action, MMUST intends to go green in all its operations and attain ISO 14000 on environmental management systems. Today, we are proud that we have began the journey of attaining this goal, through the implementation of a Solar Photovoltaic (PV) power generation system, which is first of the many that are yet to come.National Gender and Equality Commission Equips12 

A section of University Solar Photo Voltaic Energy Project Committee members

In the current financial year, the University management has earmarked the ABA and library buildings to be solar powered. This will result in reduction of current electricity bills in the University, as well as ensure reliable and stable power supply with a reduced carbon footprint.

Other members present at the workshorp were: Eng. George Otula Nyagwa - Solar Consultatnt, Hillary Shikuba - Kakakmega County Public Works, Dr. Peter T.Cherop, Dr. Janet Oyaro Dr. Cedric Okinda Dr. Edwin Kanda, Dr. Celine Omondi, Mr. Wilberforce Alube Mr. Enock Odondi, and Mr. Patrick Kivale.

By Shiundu Masafu 

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